Jay Bookman

By John Brown

May 15, 2008 8:06 AM | Link to this

Typical white people….

By Goldie

May 15, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

Yes, it’s time we move America into the 21st century — and some will be kickin-n-screamin along the way as they cling to their 20th century mentality. It’s way past time for looking beyond the color of one’s skin in determining our leaders!

By whatever

May 15, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Several things in your blog made me laugh, but this one in particular: “It would be a vast exaggeration to refer to the Republican Party as racist.” You should have added, “of course, I will do it anyway.” The truth of the matter, Jay, is that most of the country would be willing to vote for a black person……as long as he/she isn’t a cardcarrying liberal like Obama. I also look forward to your comments decrying the Democrats playing of the “age card”. But I won’t hold my breath.

By ron

May 15, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

The fact that almost every black in America supports Obama has nothing to do with race.

By Voice of Reason

May 15, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

It’s funny that Obama is called the elitist, when he came from a poorer upbringing and has less net worth that McCain or Clinton. Also, here we have a smart, articulate (Yes, I use the word), highly intelligent, accomplished Black man and white people still do things like those tee shirts and other disparaging antics you see online.

Everyone needs to see other human beings as just that—human beings. White people don’t hold all the cards on being human; in fact, oftentimes, they act anything but, when it comes to their approach in relating to people who are not white.

The only “problem” with this current process is, if Obama were to win the election, it would make many White people feel that all racism in this country is over…and it won’t be.

By WillM

May 15, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

“The fact that almost every black in America supports Obama has nothing to do with race.”

And it drives you absolutely crazy, doesn’t it?

By jasper

May 15, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Let’s unpack Racism. In its simplest form it is akin to the “birds of a feather” maxim, in that we are drawn to those most like ourselves. This is somewhat natural and not necessarily a bad thing, but still presents a challenge to our human condition because our preferences for one easily turn in to indifference or antipathy for the other. This challenge is best overcome by a proactive discourse with those seemingly unlike ourselves, until we find our set of preferences evolving from visual similarities to a desire or curiosity to discover the potential enjoyment of another’s positive qualities. This process will put into perspective a person’s physical appearance, and moves the observer beyond classifications and stereotypes into a new realm interpersonal experience.

It is at this level of enlightenment where we can look upon one another with a true sense of equality and commonality that binds us together as human beings and allows us to objectively discern a person’s character and compatibility with our own. It is through this sharp lens that we should encounter Barack Obama and without any preconceived notion or conditioning inarguably determine that he is the worst possible thing that could happen to this country. Brotherly love to all.

By ConservativeDem

May 15, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

Jay, I think most whites have transcended race. Its the liberals and blacks who have the problem. Blacks want special and I do mean special treatment. Like affirmative action, hate crimes, and I owe them $50,000 dollars. Goldie! Tell that to your black friends please! I choose Obama over Hillary. But I do like the Curious George T-shirt.

By West Cobb Dad

May 15, 2008 8:37 AM | Link to this

The vast majority of white Americans don’t care about race. They look for the good in people and whether or not they can do the job. Black, white, latino, or whatever. I am not going to vote for Obama not because he is black, but rather he does not, in my opinion, have the experience to lead this country. His seat in the senate wasn’t even warm before he started to run for president. Why hasn’t the media brought this up? It looks as if everyone is trying to make him into this generation’s JFK. We’ll JFK served 3 terms in the house and was in his 2nd term as senator before he ran. He didn’t even serve as governor in his state. Can he make speeches? Yes. But how will he govern? At least Hillary (who was and is more qualified than her doofus husband) served a term and on some commitees. Obama hasn’t had the time. Unfortunately, if he doesn’t get elected, the race card will be played to death. I just wish back in ‘96 Powell had run. He would have won by a landslide. But he was too ‘moderate’ for the right-wing of the republicans. In other words, he is what 90% of America is.

By sam

May 15, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

The people of the United States have already shown that they believe we have real problems that are “bigger ” than race that need to be addressed; will I continue to have a job so that I can take care of my family? will my children be able to have days at school where they do not have to fear for their lives? Will my children ever return home from Iraq alive? Skin color is TOTALLY irrevalent in the face of today s REAL problems.

By zeke

May 15, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

What crap! Obama has absolutely no substance! Period! No record to study! No experience to run the government! No “gravitas” as liberals are so free to say! He is a fascist in the truest sense of the world! His constant rant of change is hollow, no meaning, no statement of what change he is talking about! Be careful, that change may lead us further into FDR’S, Johnson’s, Carter’s and Clinton’s headlong rush into a socialist government that will destroy the hugh economic engine of freedom that has been the US for the last 200+ years! And yes, as in Atlanta, Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles and DC, blacks are voting enmass for him because he is black! Look at those cities and their constant social and fiscal problems! WE DO NOT WANT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, WHICH ALREADY FAR EXCEEDS IT’S CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITS TO EMULATE THESE FAILED CITIES! LEFT IS WRONG! RIGHT IS RIGHT! VOTE CONSERVATIVE!

By Marie

May 15, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

Jay:

Get a grip!! You libbies only have a problem when a black democrat is depicted as lawn jockeys, monkeys, or in any way talked about in “racial” terms.

Where was the outrage when Doonesbury played to the worse stereotypes of black women when he drew a cartoon of Condi Rice; in which the President referred to her as “Brown Sugar”?

Where was the outrage when another cartonist drew a scarf on Condi’s head and depicted her as the black slave woman from the movie “Gone with the Wind” with the caption “I dun no notin’ bout birthin no babies”.

Or the outrage when Dems threw oreo cookies at Michael Steele during a rally as he was running for US Senate? Or when Senator Schumer broke the law by pulling this Steele’s credit report (oh I’m sorry he blamed that on his staffers)?

Or how about the time when Clarence Thomas was depicted in a cartoon on a black national “liberal leaning” magazine as a lawn jockey and another time as a handkerchief head negro?

Where was the outrage when Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, stated that Justice Thomas was incapable of writing “grammatically correct” opinions?

Has Barack Obama apologized to Condi Rice for his “former” pastor referring to her as Condaskeezer during one of his rants that he calls a sermon? For those of you who don’t know a skeezer is a woman of ill-repute, a w*******, a slut, etc.

What about the all the times when the NAACP or Harry Belafonte has referred to Condi Rice, Colin Powell, Rodney Page, and other blacks who have served in the Presiden’t cabinet as Uncle Toms?

So get off your high horse — because as a black conservative female I could go on and on about the double standard that folks like you want to apply. The only time “so-called racism” against blacks offends you is when it is directed at black Democrats, but, Dems can say the nastiest, dirtiest, and most outrageous things about black Republicans and you won’t hear a peep from media pundits like you.

By Eric1

May 15, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Good column, Jay. I think you’re right on target with this one.

By Donald

May 15, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

The Native Americans were not forced on reservation. The Whites were not slaughtered at the Alamo. The Japanese-Americans were not put in WW2 concentration camps. The Irish immigrants were not discriminated against when they came to America. BUT ask the AJC, and every thing that ever happens to a Black American is 100% racist in nature. We are sick of your opinions, how about some balance for a change !

By tar

May 15, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately race is playing a major role in this election. A great many Whites, Hispanics and Asians said they would not vote for a Black Man. The key words are Black Man, the color of his skin.

Many Whites still feel that Blacks are inferior to them. The Hispanics and Asians feel that the Blacks are a minority like themselves, therefore they can not promote a black, because then he will be higher than them.

Thank goodness, that the young, educated people who have been in school and worked with Blacks, do not feel that Blacks are inferior. Will racism ever cease to exist? Racism will only cease when everyone decides to place value on the other person.

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

Race wasn’t an issue for white people until Rev. Wright made it one. And most of that blame falls on Obama for associating with him and Louis Farakhan for starters.

By Filster

May 15, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this

You must be joking, at least with respect to Atlanta. Move beyond race? What chance does a white candidate have to be elected mayor of Atlanta? How about Mayor Iverson’s 1/2 block vs. Jackson having the airport renamed. Look at Able Mabel’s comments about not caring what white business wants with regard to Hartsfield, or BIlly McKinney and is “J-E-W-S” comment. Move past race? Keep dreaming.

By whatever

May 15, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Hey, Marie: Please run for office….you have my vote! Your comments are brilliant and so true. I won’t wait for Jay to respond, though. You don’t exist in his eyes….

By candide

May 15, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

The success of Obama, even if he loses in November, bodes well for the future of race relations. Obama has been done in by Rev. Wright which arouses fear of black revanche and by his own wife who has refused to denounce Wright, leaving people believing rightly or wrongly that she is a black nationalist. When another Obama comes around — without this particular baggage — he will win. There are incorrigibles in every country but they need not dominate.

By Sarah

May 15, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

It’s hard to not think race when you hear Rev Wright. It’s hard to exclude race when you see BET, NAACP, The 100 Black Men of Atlanta; yes very hard to do so because from where I these are predicated on race to me. Oh…so we’re only to exlude the white race, oh…now I got it, thanks. You Obama supporters have been afforded a ’ Don’t Touch Our Black Man’ candidate since the beginning and now the heat in the political kitchen has been turned up and the crybabies are coming out of the woodwork. Get use to it, there’s much more to come. If your Obama candidate is the real deal, he should be able to withstand the wave that’s about to hit him. You all have been spoonfed your liberal doublestandards for far too long. And one more thing, someone please tell Obama that his remark about there being 57 states in the United States was taking stupid to new heights. Only Republicans seem to have caught this, I usppose we’re the only ones that really know our history.

By Sarah

May 15, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

It’s hard to not think race when you hear Rev Wright. It’s hard to exclude race when you see BET, NAACP, The 100 Black Men of Atlanta; yes very hard to do so because from where I these are predicated on race to me. Oh…so we’re only to exlude the white race, oh…now I got it, thanks. You Obama supporters have been afforded a ’ Don’t Touch Our Black Man’ candidate since the beginning and now the heat in the political kitchen has been turned up and the crybabies are coming out of the woodwork. Get use to it, there’s much more to come. If your Obama candidate is the real deal, he should be able to withstand the wave that’s about to hit him. You all have been spoonfed your liberal doublestandards for far too long. And one more thing, someone please tell Obama that his remark about there being 57 states in the United States was taking stupid to new heights. Only Republicans seem to have caught this, I usppose we’re the only ones that really know our history.

By Sarah

May 15, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this

It’s hard to not think race when you hear Rev Wright. It’s hard to exclude race when you see BET, NAACP, The 100 Black Men of Atlanta; yes very hard to do so because from where I these are predicated on race to me. Oh…so we’re only to exlude the white race, oh…now I got it, thanks. You Obama supporters have been afforded a ’ Don’t Touch Our Black Man’ candidate since the beginning and now the heat in the political kitchen has been turned up and the crybabies are coming out of the woodwork. Get use to it, there’s much more to come. If your Obama candidate is the real deal, he should be able to withstand the wave that’s about to hit him. You all have been spoonfed your liberal doublestandards for far too long. And one more thing, someone please tell Obama that his remark about there being 57 states in the United States was taking stupid to new heights. Only Republicans seem to have caught this, I usppose we’re the only ones that really know our history.

By Rod Peterson

May 15, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this

Racism is the reason Cynthia Tucker, a brilliant columnist and very insightful person cannot regularly blog. It is why often Terance Moore’s columns do not allow comments. It’s because the racist bile directed at them goes way too far for them to be exposed to the sickos.

By Natasha

May 15, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

People are forgetting that slowly but steadily there has been an increase in the number of African Americans who have ascended to positions of prominence in both politics and corporate America. No, it hasn’t been easy, and yes, the victories have been hard won, but we have, as a nation begun to accept that the best man for the job may very well be Hispanic, Black, Asian, Native American or even a woman.

Does that mean we have completely overcome? No. But it is not inconceivable, at least not to me, that at a time when we regularly see Condi Rice and Colin Powell and Stanley O’Neal on our TV screens engaging in intelligent, meaningful discussions that Barack Obama would do well as a presidential candidate.

America has changed and continues to change. Yes, there is still discrimination and oppression and racism, and yes, there will always be individuals who see race, gender and/or sexual orientation before they see the person. But, despite all, we continue to move forward and make changes for the better.

And that is a good thing. Even if Barack ultimately loses to McCain in the general election he has demonstrated that Americans are, by and large, ready to take the next step towards living up to its declaration that all men are created equal.

And that is a good thing.

By FormerDem

May 15, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

The sad thing, Obama will lose the general election not because of race but because of his lack of experience and his too-liberal stance, and the defeated Dems will cry racism. Had he gotten more experience under his belt before running for president, he would have been a formidable candidate despite his liberal leanings. Everyone will blame Hillary for staying in the race too long, but the truth is Obama does not yet have the experience necessary to be President especially with economic and world conditions as they are. I have voted for the Democrat in every presidential election since 1988, but I will be voting for McCain this year. And it has nothing to do with racism and all to do with experience.

By jasper

May 15, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this

What a waste of a column today. The space could have been better used to revive another 75 year old lynching or another riveting argument for reparations. How about another muslim feel good story next time.

The AJC is the grand imperial wizard of stoking racial tension. Its like your’e trying to keep the struggle alive by regurgitating the past. Criticism does not equal racism, nor does ridcule or satire. I am diametrically oposed to Obama due to his extreme liberal positions. Anyone who believes that the Governement is the answer is a coward, because they don’t posess the individual courage and determination to make their life better. And if criticising Obama because he thinks the Governement should take care of people makes me a racist, then give me my pointed hat. Racism is alive and well but primarily because it sells newspapers.

By Theo

May 15, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

Great Column, Jay. Right On. Jasper, Question. “Birds of a feather”?? Tell Me, Why Is It That Children Of All Races On A Playground At A Park Seem To NATURALLY Play Together? Must Be In The Genes I’d Say.

By edward irvin

May 15, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

For Bookman to insinuate that rebublicans are more inclined to use racial tactics in campaigns is laughable at best. Perhaps he has forgotten the daughter of James Byrd’s hit on George Bush, perhaps he has forgotten Shirley Franklin’s eleventh hour hit on Lee Morris, perhaps for reasons of convenience.

By Country Mouse

May 15, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

Marie,

I love you! You said so well exactly what I wanted to say. Problem is if I had said it, it would have been racist.

By Eric

May 15, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Democrat-led political correctness and “diversity” have forced people to apply a different (lower) standard in assessing the qualifications of minorities—and that is why Obama will be the Democrat nominee.

Obama’s most notable work experience is that of a “community organizer” and only under a lack of scrutiny could someone so unqualified become the nominee. Since when has a low-level social services job constituted acceptable credentials to become President of the United States? The answer is that in the era of political correctness a black community organizer is more than well qualified.

In the general election Obama will face more scrutiny—primarily from more conservative voters (both Republicans and Democrats) who are more discerning in their assessment of a candidate. If Obama loses, Democrats will once again cite racism as the reason for his loss and will blame Republicans. But it is Democrats who rejected Obama overwhelmingly in West Virginia. I believe that most of these Democrats recognize he is unqualified.

Remember that Democrats are the ones focused on race and are responsible for the substantial infighting within their own party. From whether the Clinton’s campaign trail remarks were or were not racist to Geraldine Ferraro to the BET Chairman’s comments [drug dealer Obama] to “Reverend” Wright to Obama’s own comments (“typical white person”), Democrats are obsessed with race and gender.

Don’t bother Democrats with talk about whether a candidate is qualified. If you don’t vote for Obama, the only reason MUST be because he is black. The Dems create walled-off constituencies—almost like market niches or segments—and pit one against the other to acquire and retain power.

Because he or she will possess genuine qualifications, the first minority to be elected President will probably be a conservative.

By Earl

May 15, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Blacks have got to use to the idea that if you want to enter into the political arena you have to grow some thick skin and not be ready to yell ‘racism’ any time you’re lampooned or made a joke of. How many jokes has Bush been the butt of but you don’t hear him cry racism or demand special treatment. I don’t think the average black is ready for a black President because of this, they can’t sit back and accept criticsm without it being labeled as an attck on a black. You need to mature on the national political level some more before you’re ready. It appears it’s not your time yet because of this.

By Doodad

May 15, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

And here I thought Obama was half white.

That someone could get this far having no experience and only pablum for the masses says it all. This empty suit would never have gotten this far except for his complexion. There is some change you can believe in. Si se peurde.

Excellent post Marie.

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Don’t forget when Philadelphia Inquirer editor Boyd Watkins called Juan Williams (a Fox News analyst) a “Happy Negro”. And he also called Obama a “House Negro” when he criticized Rev. Wright. No outcry.

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Oh, and don’t forget the most recent congressional elections in Atlanta where John Lewis, Shirley Franklin, Bill Campbell, and other rank racists sent a last minute flyer to their constituents with a picture of a black man being sprayed by fireman’s hoses saying that if a Republican is elected the country will return to that kind of racism. Nah, that wasn’t race baiting. No outcry.

By GA_Tiger Fan

May 15, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

It’s blacks who can’t seem to get past their race….Miss Black America, BET, Black Coalition of ?….come on…..I don’t know if they will ever get over the entitlement mentality. Of course the Dems love it as this is their core support so why would they really care about change.

By No relief in site

May 15, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Black, white, female, or other, there’s not a leader in the group. We’re at a point where someone will have to make a hard and unpopular decision. Absolutely nobody currently running for office is willing or capable of doing this.

Problems: 1) It is estimated that in the next 40-50 years the oil supplies will be exhausted. 2)Social security is not secure. 3)The education system has failed the students. 4)Our manufacturing jobs are currently residing in foreign lands. 5) Crime is bad and getting worse. And the list goes on.

Which of the candidates is going to do anything about any of these issues? Crickets.

Great and gutsy men founded this country. It has since been handed over to cowards.

Question: If tonight they announced the end of the recession, and we are defintely in a recession, where would the money come from for the average middle class family to consume more?

Everything has gone up but wages. And for those that feel untouched by this recent economy, it will be hitting your industry soon. Be patient.

We are witnessing the fall of an empire.

Not all is doom and gloom. We still have time to brush up on our chinese.

By The Truth

May 15, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Thanks to democrats and liberals we have not transcended race. Jesse and Al have made sure that blacks hate white people and that the KKK will kill them if they don’t vote democrat. Just like the evil republicans will take away your social security. It never happens. Look at the Obama t-shirt debacle. What was racist about it? Liberals claim that we came from monkeys so how is it that it’s racist to show him as a monkey? By the way, Hussein Obama is half white so it can’t be racist.

John Brown, Way to make the point that race is still an issue you dope.

By Bo

May 15, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Why did you not mention Rev Wright, Al, or Jesse. Some of the biggest race hustlers in the country today. They work to keep this country divided. If they didn’t they wouldn’t have a job. Although I’m willing to have faith that the American people will compare McCain and Obama on merits rather than race. It’s to bad that the clear fact is blacks are voting based race though. Compare McCain and Obama. A freshman Senator verses a grizzled veteran. Someone who is indesive and and hard to believe on policy verses a war hero. If people take a good look at both candidates there’s no denying who the best possible choice is…..

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

When Obama shows up on the O’Reilly Factor (hopefull in the next couple of weeks) we’ll finally get some useful information on Obama. So far we know what’s on his iPOD and whether he likes wine or beer with his steak. Useful stuff like that.

Hopefully you saw the Clinton and McCain interviews on the Factor.

By jeed

May 15, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

By ron

May 15, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

The fact that almost every black in America supports Obama has nothing to do with race.

Right. …and neither is the fact is that Clinton does “overwhelmingly” well among the WHITE working class. Imagine that.

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Oh, and “No relief in sight”:

Who’s going to stop illegal immigration? They’re all sitting on their hands, and that’s the easiest problem there is to solve.

By The Truth

May 15, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

Marie, I would back you 100% if you ran for office. I’m a huge fan of Thomas Sowell, who has been called an uncle tom by libs for years. People like him, Bill Cosby, Michael Steele, JC Watts and many other blacks have been name called by Jesse and Al. MLK would probably want to punch out those two if he were to come back today.

By Koz

May 15, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

Barack has a better chance of winning if we judge him by the color of his skin…

…Because he sure doesn’t want us to judge him by the content of his character.

By tar

May 15, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

ConservativeDem,

Your posting proves that racism is alive and well. You says that Blacks have the problem, well it seems to me that unhappy and miserable people like yourselves are the ones with the problems.

Marie,

There is no difference in racism in the Democratic Party and in the Republican Party? It is still racism.

By Charles

May 15, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

I find it offensive that someone who compare a human being to a monkey. There should be no tolerance for such behavior in our society!

That being said I think it is time the AJC takes a stand against denegrating people in this manner. They can start by firing Mike Luckovich for drawing our President as a monkey.

(of course, they’ll never do it - Liberalism is a one-way street)

By theprogressivebigot

May 15, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

And anyone that doesn’t support Obama or just happens to find his features similar to curious George, IS a racist!!!!

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

Yeah, if you don’t support Obama, you’re a racist. That’s how blacks look at it because of that “gimme” mentality. (eyeroll)

By The Truth

May 15, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

theprogressivebigot, You really need to read the definition of racism. How about explaining all the cartoons drawn of Condi as a slave woman? That is 100 times more racist than that t-shirt.

By Mike

May 15, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

We won’t transcend race as long as the AJC and the rest of the liberal media have anything to say about it.

Three days of front-page coverage on this stupid monkey shirt? Yeah, the bar owner is an idiot, but there are plenty of racists out there, black and white. However they are in the minority, a fact that Bookman and the AJC will never let people accept.

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Come on, AJC. Let’s see how fair you are. People have listed plenty of example of racism from blacks. How about including those stories in your “coverage”? Betcha won’t. And that’s why no one subscribes to your liberal, biased, race baiting paper.

By Fix-It

May 15, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Cynthia Tucker is one of the biggest racist I have ever seen. She can’t go out to eat with out finding there is some racist problem with her food or service. Racism does not seem to be a white thing any more; I guess it is a black thing, maybe a culture thing. But are we supposed to just let it be?

By Make me laugh

May 15, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Are we really ready for Al and Jesse to be staging monthly protest marches in front of the White House if Obama wins and the Republicans don’t ask how high when Obama yells jump? How can 91 per cent of a race vote for a person they seemingly know very little about other than skin tone and say their vote is not race based? How can we accept this without being suspect ? How can we listen to Rev. Wright and not realize there’s a monolithic double standard in play here and not realize if a white man said one fourth of what this man said, he’d be crucified by the press. I must agree with Earl that balcks are not ready for a black person to be Commander in Chief. They could not sit back and accept the criticism that comes along with such a high public office. Add to that the fact that I could never accept his wife as First Lady after hearing her say she’s never been proud of Amercia before the day she thought her husband could be President. A First Lady shouldn’t be totally void of class and Michelle Obama strikes me a person with a hidden agenda and totally void of class and the good breeding required to represent this wonderful country we call Amercia and it has nothing to do with race, it’s about personal values and she seems void of all the ingredients required to be a First Lady.

By Make me laugh

May 15, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Are we really ready for Al and Jesse to be staging monthly protest marches in front of the White House if Obama wins and the Republicans don’t ask how high when Obama yells jump? How can 91 per cent of a race vote for a person they seemingly know very little about other than skin tone and say their vote is not race based? How can we accept this without being suspect ? How can we listen to Rev. Wright and not realize there’s a monolithic double standard in play here and not realize if a white man said one fourth of what this man said, he’d be crucified by the press. I must agree with Earl that balcks are not ready for a black person to be Commander in Chief. They could not sit back and accept the criticism that comes along with such a high public office. Add to that the fact that I could never accept his wife as First Lady after hearing her say she’s never been proud of Amercia before the day she thought her husband could be President. A First Lady shouldn’t be totally void of class and Michelle Obama strikes me a person with a hidden agenda and totally void of class and the good breeding required to represent this wonderful country we call Amercia and it has nothing to do with race, it’s about personal values and she seems void of all the ingredients required to be a First Lady.

By Rosita

May 15, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Thank you, Jay. Once again you have brought a thoughtful, reasoned opinion to the public dialogue. Before the West Virginia primary, I would have thought we had already transcended the race issue. But now we know a lot of work remains before we can make that claim.

By The Truth

May 15, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

AJC, Explain the times Ms. Cynthia Tucker has called George Bush a racist in her columns. I’ve noticed that blogs and articles on this site are all about race issues and how whites suppress blacks. Your newspaper is nothing more than a conspiracy theory type of paper. Your writers can not report news so they voice their opinions and try to force them on other people. I really hope that the AJC goes out of business along with MARTA.

By No relief in site

May 15, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this

Look at you guys. The politicians are able to do what they do because they occupy your minds with these endless and winless battles. It’s a great game of misdirection. You worry about the color of someone’s skin while they rob and loot the country of its riches.

Most of them will be retiring on $10,000+ a month pensions. What about you?

It’s time to get our heads out of our azzes. Oh sorry, wrong audience. This is the same group that wanted to impeach Bill for getting a bj while allowing Bush to screw the nation.

Nevermind.

Jeremiah there are hundreds of potential topics. Just nobody with the cajones to solve them. LOL

By Yep

May 15, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this

This is a great positioning ploy by Bookman. He equates our electing of Obama with racial tolerance. The only way we are racially tolerant is if we elect him president. If we don’t elect him we are a bunch of ignorant racists and he can rant his leftist propaganda for 4 more years. Never mind Obama’s left of center, government takes care of all platform. Either way he wins.

By theprogressivebigot

May 15, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

I’m better than McCain’s voters because I’m obviously a lot smarter than those dinosaur loving, voted Bush in twice, dumasses!!!

By Jay Bookman

May 15, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

Dear Yep:

Read the column, which states explicitly: “Seeing that hope realized does not, in the end, require that Barack Obama win the election. He may very well lose, just as fellow Democrats John Kerry and Al Gore lost before him for reasons other than their race. What matters will be how the campaign is run.”

By duster

May 15, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this

I really shouldn’t insult Jay by suggesting that he actually believes what he writes.

By The Truth

May 15, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

theprogressivebigot, I voted for Bush twice. I don’t think that you are smarter than me. I’m guessing that you work in Starbucks.

By Wanda

May 15, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Neither Hillary or Obama need to be President. A lot of people are voting for Obama because he is black and voting for Hillary because she is a woman. How stupid can you be. But to tell you the truth I really feel that our country is in real trouble no matter who wins. Obama, Clinton, or McCain. Everybody better do a lot of praying for this country.

By RealityKing

May 15, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

If Obama is not elected President, it can only be because the South(like WV) is still full of racist white people.

This is the new political agenda being passed down from the far left liberals. Just listen to Jay crow..

By Steve

May 15, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

MIKE LUKOVICH CAN DIPICT PRESIDENT BUSH AS A MONKEY; CONDI RICE CAN BE SHOWN WITH A SCARF AROUND HER HEAD AND SAYING “SHE DON’T KNOW NOTHIN ‘BOUT BIRTHIN NO BABY” AND NOT A WORD FROM THE AJC, BUT THE BAR OWNER IN MARIETTA MAKES A STATEMENT AND ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE.

By Yep

May 15, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Dear Jay Bookman-

Obama is not running a good campaign. Not addressing issues, serious issues, like Jeremiah Wright, William Ayers,taxing the middle class, etc by saying “This is the same old Washington game, blah, blah, blah” and never answering. Then the media claiming that everyone is racist for asking tough, pertinent and relevant questions is exactly the point. Every opposition of Obama, win or lose will be branded racist. And this gives the liberal left the excuse and ammunition they need / want.

Respectfully,

Yep

By Gigi

May 15, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

I’m only going to respond to the topic, Have We Transcended Race? I’ll make this short and sweet, because I truly don’t believe my opinion will change anyone or anything. So here goes…

What on earth is wrong with people who judge another person based on the amount of melanin in their skin!!! That is not even logical! The criteria for making a determination about another person should be based on the manner in which they conduct their lives and the the way they interact with others — is this so radical an idea!? I’m a conservative but I’m also a fair-minded person — and this seems like just normal thinking to me.

By Me

May 15, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

Black people are just as racist against whites as they are against us. PERIOD. Black people are racist merely as a defensive mechanism to combat the misperceptions we experience daily at the hands of our great Southern white folks. I am a black woman who is educated w/a good job who didn’t ride the affirmative action b/c y’all white mofos would’ve used that as an excuse for my intelligence and my career advancement - taking credit for ‘ish I worked my butt off for.

I wouldn’t give two craps if Obama was orange, yellow or whatever. Obama’s background alone makes him a great representative and leader for this country. His background is as diverse as this country. And we need that. To me, he doesn’t represent just BLACK. He represents it ALL - Mexican, Asian, etc. I don’t want the same ole redneck Republican or Clinton wannabe. I want the real deal and Obama is IT!

And I loved this blog, Jay!

By Stephen

May 15, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

Steve…Great point on Luckovich and Condi. Forgot all about that. Typical, though.

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Thanks Gigi. You have a keen grasp of the obvious. We’re way past that. No one’s judging anyone on their skin color, unless you’re talking about liberal blacks judging everyone else.

By No relief in site

May 15, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

Jeremiah the ajc does plenty to keep the races baited on both sides. How about when something happens they show the one toothless, uneducated black person in the group. Could be a group of Black Harvard Grads but they’d pick the crackhead walking by and ask him what he thinks. LMAO

Wanda I agree 100%. We all need to march on Washington and physically take our country back. That won’t happen though, everyone would rather sit at work and type out their complaints. By the time we wake up this system will have collapsed. We’re all as guilty as the politicians for allowing this to happen.

Whether Obama wins or loses the election he has won. If he loses he will get picked up by some law firm and given a great compensation package to do nothing. It’s grat pr.

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

Ironically, ProgressiveBigot spelled “d*******” wrong.

By Steve

May 15, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

How can we get past race when people like Cynthia Tucker refuse to allow us to? Liberals are the ones that want to classify us and divide us by race, not whites and not conservatives

By mae

May 15, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

I supported Obama until the Rev. Wright flap. When I heard what Wright had said about the “white government” creating AIDS to decimate the African-American race, I was painfully reminded that my kid’s Georgia history teacher actually told the class the same thing Wright said and added that blacks were being drafted for the war in Iraq at a higher rate than whites. Never mind that AIDS kills people of every race and that there hasn’t been a draft in the U.S. since the Vietnam era! My kid got into the car crying that afternoon because our nephew was serving in Iraq at the time. The teacher’s comments were ignorant and hateful, just like Wright’s. I do believe that Obama sat in Wright’s church and heard such hate speech and did not disassociate himself until it became politically expedient to do so. Politics as usual. No thanks.

By Dem'08

May 15, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this

Senator Clinton: Senator Clinton, who has served only one full term—six years, and another year campaigning, has managed to author and pass into law twenty pieces of legislation in her first six years.These bills can be found on the website of the Library of Congress www.thomas.loc.gov http://www.thomas.loc.gov/ To save you trouble, I will post them here for you: 1. Establish the Kate Mullany National Historic Site. 2. Support the goals and ideals of Better Hearing and Speech Month. 3. Recognize the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. 4. Name courthouse after Thurgood Marshall. 5. Name courthouse after James L. Watson.6. Name post office after Jonn A. O’Shea. 7. Designate August 7, 2003, as National Purple Heart Recognition Day.8. Support the goals and ideals of National Purple Heart Recognition Day.9. Honor the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton on the bicentennial of his death.10.Congratulate the Syracuse University Men’s Lacrosse Team on winning the championship. 11. Congratulate the Le Moyne College Men’s Lacrosse Team on winning the championship.12. Establish the 225th Anniversary of the American Revolution Commemorative Program. 13. Name post office after Sergeant Riayan A. Tejeda. 14. Honor Shirley Chisholm for her service to the nation and express condolences on her death. 15. Honor John J. Downing, Brian Fahey, and Harry Ford—firefighters who lost their lives on duty. Only five of Clinton’s bills are more substantive. 16. Extend period of unemployment assistance to victims of 9/11. 17. Pay for city projects in response to 9/11.18. Assist landmine victims in other countries. 19. Assist family caregivers in accessing affordable respite care. 20. Designate part of the National Forest System in Puerto Rico as protected in the wilderness preservation system.

Senator Obama: Now, I would post those of Obama’s, but the list is too substantive, so I will mainly categorize them. During the first eight years of his elected service he sponsored over 820 bills. He introduced: 233 regarding healthcare reform; 125 on poverty and public assistance;112 crime fighting bills;97 economic bills;60 human rights and anti-discrimination bills; 21 ethics reform bills;15 gun control; and 6 veterans affairs and many others. His first year in the U.S. Senate, he authored 152 bills and co-sponsored another 427. These included: Coburn-Obama Government Transparency Act of 2006—became law,Lugar-Obama Nuclear Non-proliferation and Conventional Weapons Threat Reduction Act—became law,Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act—passed the Senate,The 2007 Government Ethics Bill—became law,The Protection Against Excessive Executive Compensation Bill is In committee, and many more. In all, since entering the U.S. Senate, Senator Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1,096. There you have it, the facts straight from the Senate Record. An impressive record for someone who supposedly has no record according to some who would prefer that this comparison not be made public. He is not just a talker—he is a doer.

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

No relief,

We won’t have to march on Washington unless Hillary or Obama wins. Then all hell will break loose.

By Steve

May 15, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

TO MARIE: EXCELLENT REPLY. THIS WHITE MAN WOULD VOTE FOR YOU IN A HEARTBEAT.SURE THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO WILL ONLY VOTE THE COLOR OF ONE’S SKIN, HOWEVER THIS IS PERPETUATED BY AL SHARPTON AND JESSE JACKSON WHOSE SOLE BUSINESS IS TO PROMOTE RACISM, WITHOUT WHICH THEY WOULD HAVE TO GET A REAL JOB.

By AstroFan

May 15, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this

I think this all sucks. Every time Obama wins a state, your hear CNN and Fox News say “it was the large black turnout in that state that helped Obama.” So if this is true, how in the world is Obama winning states with a very very small black population. Such as: Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Wyoming, Idaho, where Obama won 79% of the vote! Utah, North Dakota. Now we all know those states have very small black populations. So explained that to me. Media! How did Obama win those states.

By turnerwred1234

May 15, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

Reading Jay’s article directly and in between-the-lines, on the heel of Edwards’ endorsement of Obama immediately after Hillary took him to the cleaners in WVA, it is more obvious now than ever, at least to me, that Obama’s chances in Novemeber, if he’s the nominee of our Party, are slim to none and grower slimmer by the day.

Edwards’ endorsement of Obama, immediately after the constituents he best represents rejected Obama in WVA, is a shrewd attempt to gain Obama’s support for his own run again in 2012. Obama would be as hard-pressed to endorse Obama and encourage his supporters to vote for Edwards as would be the super delegates to find another nominee than Obama. Edwards endorsement of obama, in short, says a lot more than what political pundits and neophytes in U.S. national politics are loathe to asuume.

By 14

May 15, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

I love it when Bookman can’t even get the bat off his shoulder and defend his position against the logical and dead on counter points by the right.

By sue488

May 15, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

Reading over the comments posted I see so many “bitter” expressions. I wonder how many people here really believe Blacks have it easy? How many believe that this government of the people and by the people favors Blacks?

When I hear of experience required to be president, I look no further than our current president. If based on experience he would not be president for we had a record on him. He was voted into office the second time by a wide margin even though his 1st term showed many flaws.

Do we really want someone who is so ingrained in the political infrastructure that he/she will not make a change or be willing to make a change?

I am not saying how one should vote. I am saying do get to know your candidate. Vote for or against the person of your choice. In the end whatever type of government we get will be the government we deserve.

Reading the comments in this column I do say that things will go to hell in a basket before people actually get off their personal soapboxes and demand real change. “Change” is not a bad thing. Am I saying Obama is the only “change” expert, no. I am saying we need a change.

Get to know more about your candidates. See how the money flows. Look at records, look at private dealings, and most of all remember our president is not all powerful.

By StrongOldBlackLady

May 15, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this

I defer to the bloggers who believe like I do that Obama has not enough experience on the “big stage” to tackle all the weight and grief of a President. Presidents with larger backgrounds and experience have been tackled and crushed by just things happening. That is a huge job and it is not to be taken lightly.

I have always supported Hillary who as you know is an old battle ax and there is not much she doesn’t know and handle. She’s has already taken the best the Republicans can dish out and is still standing.

When this ends this fall if Obama wins the Democratic nomination the Republicans will “eat him alive” up and down. History shows that they will seek ad destroy their rivals. Then, there will be a Republican in office for president.

By theprogressivebigot

May 15, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

So what if I work at starbucks!

I’m a highly educated liberal Ivy Leaguer whose education background alone probably doubles your entire mental capacity. It’s not my fault Art History/Urbanomics majors aren’t in high demand here..

By The Truth

May 15, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

theprogressivebigot, Thanks for proving to me and everyone what an idiot you really are. By the way, Dekalb Tech isn’t Ivy League. Just thought I’d inform you.

By Putemallonanisland

May 15, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

I think it’s funny when I post and the AJC deletes it. My post was not derogatory anymore than those above. Way to censor AJC! And all this time I thought your were a bunch of Democrats!!!

By matt

May 15, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Deputy, We don’t a bed wetter as our next President - no matter what skin color he or she has. Your Buddy, Matt

By sue488

May 15, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

turnerwred1234

What you saw in the smaller states with lower black population was real republicans attempting to get a “weaker ” candidate nominated to face the republican nominee in the general elections. Obama will not carry those states in the general election. I like to think of myself as having a pragmatic view on this matter. W. Va should have removed any doubts about where this country is in regards to race relations and as to who in this contest would be better able to get more votes than McCain.

Just a note I supported McCain until he started licking more of Bush’s boots. So I am now actually attempting to learn more about Obama and Hillary. I may even vote for a third party candidate in the end.

By The Truth

May 15, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

Putemallonanisland. That’s what Stalinist do. When you disagree with them they censor you. Classic liberal tactics. Libs don’t like debate. That’s why you have weathermen, science teachers and other people fired from jobs. I can’t wait for the AJC to announce bankruptcy and see Cynthia Tucker in the unemployment line.

By sharon

May 15, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Ron, you’re right just like older white women and men supporting Hillary has nothing to do with race either.

By beerbellybob

May 15, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Obama is a junior senator that’s married to another lawyer.

McCain is a war hero that’s married to a fine, big breasted beer distributer.

The experience is obvious!! McCain 2008!!!!

By David

May 15, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Double standard- Blacks vote on color of skin Whites are to vote on content of character. Not how I remember King’s speech. The best insight into Obama’s beliefs can be tied to Rev Wright. The words hate and race are interchangeable and the bile from Obama’s church tells me all I need to know about this guy. He only got this far because of his percieved race, and not his values. The Clintons would have swung the election had they invited Rev. Wright to the Natl Press Club earlier. Now the Dems are stuck with an candidate that cannot win the general election once the lights shine brightly on his past. Remember the Dems aren’t going to completely take the gloves off on one of their own, the Republicans will. Remember the Swift Boats that sunk Kerry? Oh and the race stuff…it will actually end when entitlement mentality is replaced completely by people striving to succeed on their own merits. Until then everything else is white noise.

By Jay Bookman

May 15, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this

Fess up, Putemallonanisland. Your post was pulled not because of its political content, but because it contained multiple barely disguised uses of the N word.

By sharon

May 15, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Zeke, you say Blacks are voting for Obam because he’s Black. Why do you think Whites are voting for him?

By Tray

May 15, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

beerbellybob-yeah, i got that e-mail too.

blacks/whites/mexicans/asians…we’re all monkeys deep down inside…

All of the candidates are definately monkeys-they’ve been slinging poo for months now!

By The Truth

May 15, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

sharon, because if they don’t then they will be painted as racists. Look at WV. Chris Mathews called WV a bunch of racists this morning. That’s what libs and dems do. If you don’t vote their way then you are a racist, homophobic, sexist, or intolerant.

By HeySoose

May 15, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

“By WillM

May 15, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

“The fact that almost every black in America supports Obama has nothing to do with race.”

And it drives you absolutely crazy, doesn’t it?”

Nope. Just just proves the black community can be just as racist and bigoted.

By AssHat

May 15, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

AJC, want to end the perpetuation of racism? Fire Cynthia Tucker and Terrence Moore.

By Fix-It

May 15, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

*The truth is according to DNA we are ALL 97% monkey, so why don’t ya’ll shut up and let’s solve some real issues. Like fix the dollar that would fix many issues. Why not let our government drill the oil that we have here then sell it to the oil companies below OPEC prices. That would really chap some Muslim hide.  *

By FalconJoe

May 15, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

Too bad we aren’t expected to vote on character or core beliefs. Instead, we’re expected to be the sheep the respective parties think we are and blindly support whoever they deem worthy of placing before us.

By sharon

May 15, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

It amazes me how obsessed white people are with Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. Every time an incident occur the white people say “here comes Jesse and Al”. LMAO. I also find it so bizarre that out of all the names to use as a blogger someone would chose “Jeremiah Wright”.

By Kiki

May 15, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Wow, I am so sick of people saying that we know nothing about Obama. Why don’t you try picking up either one of the TWO BOOKS this man has written about his background, upbringing, and personal and political views, hmm? Maybe because that would actually require intelligent thought, and so many of you seem content to simply regurgitate the propaganda that Hannity and the rest of FauxNews serve up for you. Read a book. Get the facts. Form an opinion. Then maybe you can contribute something worthwhile to this discussion.

By Rusty

May 15, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this

Obama sits in Wrights white hating church for 20 yrs. Fact.Why is anyone, this day in time,white or black, still considering this racist,half term Senator for The Presidency of the United States? Put the shoe on the other foot and you’ve got David Duke.When it’s all said and done,racism will have killed Obamas’ Presidential hopes, his own.

By Jethro

May 15, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Someone please tell me the difference between going to a Klan rally and attending Rev. Wright’s church?

By Greg

May 15, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

Barack Obama sat in a Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, IL church pew for approximately twenty years listening to the hate-filled, racist invective of Jeremiah Wright. Wright preached the warped “gospel” of James H. Cone and his Black Liberation Theology as part of the gospel of Jesus and the doctrine of this church. And, Barack Obama did NOTHING but continue to accept this warped gospel with it’s dismal view of America and, mostly, white Americans. At the very least, Obama shows a distinct lack of judgement and a tolerance, nay, loyalty to a black preacher who espouses hate & racism. In the extreme, one might legitimately consider him a covert racist.

I continue to find it extremely disturbing that the Democrat party continues to run Obama with this kind of “hate baggage.” While I vote Democratic by history, I will not vote this candidate.

By Rusty

May 15, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Kiki, pick up a book and read all the “facts” this manchurian has written about himself? C’mon. Obama said it so it must be true.The guy is a regularly attending,tithing member of a “hate whitey” church. There’s your fact. He has been exposed as the racist fraud that he is. Fact.

By Jay Bookman

May 15, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

To HeySoose, AssHat, FalconJoe and Jethro:

Hey guys, how come all of you are posting from the same IP address? Sharing a computer? Or sharing a personality? Or are you merely trying to create the perception of support for your position by posting under so many names?

By Rusty

May 15, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

Jethro, They ain’t none!! Read my 12:22 bro! Btw Obomamites, Yall run Condi,Colin or heck even Ambassador Andrew Young in 2012 And you wont hear ANY of these concerns about these more than qualified black candidates from white America. Colin/Condi/Colin 2012!

By Rusty

May 15, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

AAAAAHHHHAAA yall got busted!!

By Kiki

May 15, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

If you are suggesting that we cannot believe anything that comes out of any of the candidates mouths, and are therefore forced to accept as fact the statements made by political pundits and newscasters, what does that imply about the state of politics in this country? Look, I am not saying you should take everything in his books as fact. By definition, autobiographies cannot be 100% factually correct. Nobody remembers word-for-word every conversation they had with their college roommate 20 years ago, okay? What I am suggesting is that reading some of his work might help you to understand where he is coming from as a person of mixed race, as a Christian, as a politician, etc. Of course, that assumes that you actually want to understand what makes him tick. But so many of the bloggers here seem much more interested in making statements that are not based on fact. I consider myself a Democrat, however, I watch FoxNews and listen to conservative talk radio on a regular basis. Why, you might ask? Because I believe in getting the whole truth, and you cannot get the whole truth from listening to a one-sided argument.

By Greg

May 15, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

Kiki @ 12:20

Rather than read the smoothed-over propaganda of Obama’s political biography, why not encourage people to read two of James H. Cone’s books, Black Theology and Black Power and A Black Theology of Liberation. The first is THE seminal work in the Black Liberation Theology movement of which J. Wright is a proponent, and the second continues the black-centric view of the gospel of Jesus. Interesting reads, both.

As the Bible says, bad company corrupts good morals. Obama should have known better than to set and listen to such tripe. His failure to rebuff Wright or, in the continued presence of such doctrines, to leave the church speaks volumes about his character that his Harvard education can’t cover. And, Americans value character.

By turnerwred1234

May 15, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Yes. Sue, it has been my contention all along that a significant part of the Republican’s strategy to win back the White House following a very disasterous 8 years of Bush entailed impacting the Dem’s primary to get the weakest person possible as our nominee.

To achieve that result, they had to help elect the person for us, who would in turn, be most helpful to them in energizing their own base. In order to do that, they had to have someone close enough to, and trusted enough by, by the person who had the greatest influence over whether or not Obama would enter the race this term, or wait, which is what many believe was the wiser thing. The person encouraging him had to be made to believe that the idea actually originated with herself, too.

Any intelligent person, who isn’t also naive, knows that race is still amajor element in our elective preocess. You only need a half of a hand to count the number of African American governors. We have one young, and highly impatient and ambitious U.S. Senator and a host of representatives, all of the latter from predominantly black districts!

Where is the proof, I pray, someone tell me that Obama, coming out of no-where, with little national experience, can win the highest and most prized office in the nation?

Cornell West conducted a very in depth study on the issue of race not too long ago and he wrote an extremely scholarly work on the topic. As much as I would like disgaree with him, my own in depth independent research and analysis leads me to the same conclusion: Race Matters and it matters most when the advantages that whites derives from their whiteness are about to be placed in jeopardy.

You see, a lot of Obama’s young and illiterate supporters don’t know it and are reluctant to believe that intelligent Blacks and progressive whites have known for a long time that we have the numbers to produce an African American nominee of our Party. We also knew, and know now, that given the racial climate in our society (exasperated by economic conditions,) we simply do not havde the numbers to produce a President.

Edwards endorsment, in my opinion, indicates two things: he knows from conversations with super delegates that Obama will be the nominee and secondly, based on the WVA results, there is a very, very slim to no chance that Obama will win.

By Neo

May 15, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

It is a shame that we are constantly letting ourselves be divided by race, this country is in to deep to let race divide us as Americans the fact is blacks, whites, and latinos are in the same boat pay the same gas prices, and are losing jobs because they are going to other countries, if we the people continue to allow race to divide us then we will suffer and all fall together. We the citizens of the United States are all we have and like it or not we are all on the same boat that is going in the wrong direction.

By Eric

May 15, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this

Jay’s quote:

“It would be a vast exaggeration to refer to the Republican Party as racist. However, it has certainly been willing to play on racial fear and resentment for political advantage, pushing that message just hard enough to have an effect without being obvious.”

You know something Jay? Take out the word “Republican” and insert the word “Democratic” and the paragraph is just as accurate.

By JayBookmanSucks

May 15, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

All the above…

By Kiki

May 15, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

I find it hard to believe that reading any book is totally without merit. Reading a book on black liberation theology is a good thing. It may give you some insight into the early civil rights movement in this country, and the small minority of African-Americans still involved in the movement today. By the way, if you read Obama’s book, you’d also know that he views the teachings of “Black liberation theology” as a dead-end and an ineffective method when it comes to achieving racial equality in this country.

By lovelyliz

May 15, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Yes we can transcend race. That doesn’t mean it isn’t an issue just that some of people can see through it some of the time.

By Rusty

May 15, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Kiki,your asking people to ignore facts.Being of mixed race doesn’t qualify him to be President.Neither does his faith.His political resume is weak at best.He’s just not qualified.Please explain to me why his admitted membership to that “hate whitey” church doesn’t turn you off to his candidicy.If it doesn’t, then I can only assume that you share the racist views of Obama and his pastor. Obama sat there for 20 years so please don’t dismiss/deny his obvious agreement with his pastor.

By Calgon Take Me Away

May 15, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Why is EVERYTHING in Atlanta about RACE??? I moved here 10 years ago, and had never seen anything like it. Whay can’t we all just play nice?

By Dan Matthews

May 15, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

except at one red neck bar in Marietta

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Jay,

Busting one imposter doesn’t win the argument against the MANY of us who have pointed out the flaws and hypocrisy of your original blog. Why don’t you address all the cases of black racism (against blacks and whites) as posted by us? Becaus you can’t.

By AssHat

May 15, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

No. Not support, just just answering different posts with different points of view…..

By BiteMe

May 15, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

People, you all need to f*** CHILL OUT. Seriously. Just relax. It’ll be allllllllllllll right.

By CJ

May 15, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

90% of black people who voted in the Democratic primaries voted for Obama. No, we have not transcended race yet.

By Fred

May 15, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

I won’t ever vote for Obama but it has nothing to do with race. The man is a socialist and he himself is an admitted racist. I also don’t really want to listed to 4 years of his wife whining about imaginary inequities. Of course, the other 2 choices are not much better but at least they come with some experience.

By The Truth

May 15, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Jay Bookman, Someone getting on your nerves? How about writing a good article for once and lay off the race issues. People are sick of the AJC for this very reason. We’re sick of race baiting articles that have no merit. If someone doesn’t vote for Hussein Obama it doesn’t make them a racist.

By Kiki

May 15, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Wow, these comments never cease to amaze me! Using your logic, every Obama supporter who is aware of Rev. Wright (and if they are not, they must be living under a rock) is a racist. Can you not see how misguided that last statement is? The close-mindedness of that sort of rhetoric is precisely why we still have such issues with race in this country. I know it sounds crazy, but try looking at things from the other side for once. Btw, I’m a white twenty-something female who was raised in small-town MS surrounded by racists, in a town where the black people lived on the other side of the railroad tracks and the cemetary was segregated (not by choice, mind you). And my hometown is much the same today. I knew that situation was wrong when I was growing up, and I still believe it is wrong today. I am voting for Obama because I see something in him that makes me believe we finally have a real chance to bring about a change in this country. His positions on the economy, foreign policy, healthcare, and education are icing on the cake for me. I am not alone, there are millions of us, and together we will work to make Obama the next President of the United States.

By HeySoose

May 15, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Dan Mathews, that guy is just plain stupid at that redneck bar. Hopefully, he’ll get his pants sued off by the publisher…and he should, too.

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

That’s easy Jethro.

The differences between the KKK and Jeremiah Wright:

By WillM

May 15, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Calgon Take Me Away writes: Why is EVERYTHING in Atlanta about RACE??? I moved here 10 years ago, and had never seen anything like it. Whay can’t we all just play nice?

Actually this is a national issue, hardly a preoccupation of an Atlanta newspaper alone. And what does “playing nice” have to do with this? This is politics and this is the historical aftermath of one of the great injustices committed in this country’s history. There are other ways this can play out (see S. Africa, see Zimbabwe, etc.) I think all things considered, things here have gone incredibly well.

As to JeremiahWright’s comment: “Why don’t you address all the cases of black racism (against blacks and whites) as posted by us? Becaus you can’t.”

Sorry pal, black-on-white racism and black-on-white racism simply don’t have to meet the same bar as white-on-black racism does. They just don’t. Sorry, but the legacy of white racism is why we’re in the present situation, not any other versions, so that’s why it is at issue here and your attempts to boil down all racism to some generic category that applies to all equally is false.

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

That’s easy Jethro.

The differences between the KKK and Jeremiah Wright:

By JimBream

May 15, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this

Democrats play on racial fears also, look at the results in W.Va. Some whites stated they would never vote for a n&*e^8G9%$o!!!!! Regardless of how much edumucation or etiquents that people could speaks.

Amerika belonging to us, and they can’t believes a balack is runnin for this Whites house. Obama monkey tee shirts are not considered racially based and balacks are told to get over it or U just do know how to have fun its just a joke.

By Mobama

May 15, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Cynthia Tucker and little Jay Bookman were achingly silent when Cynthia McKinney was plying her racist crap in Atlanta and when Shirley Franklin was recording a race baiting get out the vote ad. Maybe they clucked a little, but never called them out for the race baiting that it was. When Jeremiah Wright got caught plying ignorant race hatred on video, little Jay Bookman was silent till Obama gave him the cover to mildly criticize the good Rev.
The truth is that Jay Bookman lacks the credibility to talk about race hatred, racism or race baiting. He is fine with it as long as it’s a Democrat doing it. As it is, he is just being a hypocrite.

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

WillM

The “legacy of white racism” is in the past. It’s gone. A good 3 generations have gone by so they need to get over the past. It’s no longer the fault of the white man if they can’t succeed in the US. The “legacy of black on white racism” began several years ago, and that’s what we need to deal with now.

By Jay Bookman

May 15, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

I gotta confess, I find all these white folks whining about being victims of black racism, well … pathetic and sad.

By Tray

May 15, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

Kiki, I’m not saying all Obama’s supporters are racist, that’s just dumb. I’m sure that he has well educated black men and women who aren’t racist on his side, and maybe some whites.

HOWEVER, OBAMA IS A RACIST!

You can’t tell me that after listeneing to hate whites/hate America speeches for 20 years, he can just let go of that upbrining and look past it.

Nope, sorry i don’t buy it!

The world will eventually see past racism, if we all live past the upcoming WWIII. After that nuclear holocaust, we’ll be mating with whoever we can find to repopulate our country, so eventually, we will all be one mutt race.

And i do believe that if Hillary or Obama are elected, WWIII will be coming shortly around the corner, unless it starts before the end of our current idiots, uh, president’s term.

By sue488

May 15, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Blacks who engage in racist acts are not correct in such behavior. Atlanta is one of the few places in the United States where Blacks engaging in racist behavior can and does affect the financial well being of non-Blacks. However, given that even today a majority of America is not rural most racist acts committed by Blacks do not extended beyond the personal level. When you have a one group that dominates the financial institutions of a country and members of that group engage in racist behavior that prevents non-members from being able to adequately support a family then that is a different story.

Case in point would be not being willing to interview Shunte for a job out of fear that she can not speak well enough for the job. Another case in point would be charging Betty Sue a Black professional with excellent credit ratings higher amount of interest for a home.

I am trying to see where there is an entitlement mentality amongst Blacks. I am entitled to enjoy the amenities provided by public funding, I am entitled to enjoy the comfort of my home, I am entitled to be able to purchase food that is of proper standards, I am entitled to have a job if I am qualified for the job( if not then I am willing to start my own company), and I am entitled to live without fear.

Please let me know what special entitlements Blacks would like to have. I correct Blacks when they engage in racist behavior. How many people here correct racist behavior when committed by friends and family?

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this

WillM

Excusing “black on white racism” is precisely why Obama will lose the election, and the Dems will lose again. “Black on white” is no better, for any reason, than “white on black”. Know why? Wright’s comments were aimed at people like me—WHITE. Yet, I had nothing to do with slavery, or racism in the 60s and before, and I profited in no way from those times. So tell me why black racism directed toward me is ok? You can’t. You’re a race baiter like Bookman, McKinney, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and Wright, only you’re (probably) not profiting from it yet.

By JimBream

May 15, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

JeremiahWright is on meth or something. I lived in Mayrita(Marietta) redneck sanctuary of Ga. When they named that park Whitewater, they really was talking about how they wanted to county to stay, and I remember J.B Stoner also living in Cobb county so forget you 3 generation crap. Bigotry still exists and the KKK are just underground waiting for the right time. That’s why groups exist to monitor their activity.

If you really want to know whose fault it is then whose running the country, high gas prices, high food prices, deficit spending, mortgage crisis, bailing out investors, Iraq war?

White men……………….

By Rusty

May 15, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

Kiki,I’m not trying to anger you,I just can’t understand the double standard that is allowing this guy to hover in an almost Christ like apparition above his cool-aid drinking followers.His volunteers are not allowed to answer questions on his policy positions only to convey their own experience in “coming to Obama” It’s Jim Jones freakin’ creepy.

By Fred

May 15, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

Jay,

I have been a victim of Black racism. I went to school at Temple U. in North Philly. I got pushed around and called every name in the book. I got over it. The other side to that is that I was never hassled by the cops. I was never denied a job. I was never dragged out of bed in the middle of the night and beaten and lynched. For some Americans, that is a memory that still hurts. My experience just does not rise to that level.

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Jay Bookman,

Every time you post you look a little more hypocritical and out of touch. Was Geraldine Ferraro not a victim of black racism? How about Reginald Denny (the truck drive pulled out of his truck and beaten during the Rodney King riots—and he got nothing for it)? I see it every time I walk on a basketball court; whites are picked last. Every white person on this board could give an example, of course you don’t care because it doesn’t fit your ideology.

By The Truth

May 15, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Jay, What you just wrote about us “white people” is exactly why you will hopefully be out of a job soon. You are one sided and arrogant. Pathetic and sad? Really? Because for years, we “white people” have put up with being called racist for not giving in to pandering. I find you sad and pathetic.

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

OK, JimBream, you’re just a whack job. Conspiracy theorist, white hating, whack job. No justification or evidence for any of it, just feels good to say it. The other reason the Dems will lose.

By The Truth

May 15, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

Jay, You should really head on over to huffingtonpissed and see if Ariana will give you a job writing obits. You a biased liberal who gets a chill up his leg from Chris Matthews. Maybe Ms. Tucker can ask Chris if you can come on his show this Sunday morning.

By HeySoose

May 15, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

What I find pathetic is some middle of the road editor for a newspaper with declining readership, resorting to race-baiting to draw attention to himself. These post you speak of. Isn’t this what you were shooting for?

Wow, if this was the sports section, I would swear this was Terrence Moore editorializing.

By Tray

May 15, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Bookman

Why do you find it so sad?? Is it sad because years ago whites enslaved blacks?? IS THAT MY FAULT?? If not, why am I being blamed?

Or is it sad because prisons are mostly full of the African American race??

(by the way, please prove me wrong in any of my statements)

Or is it pathetic and sad because it’s true that whites are now the victim?

White people who are qualified for jobs MUST BE OVERLOOKED to fill the equal opportunity employment guidelines by hiring someone not qualified because of their race.

You can’t deny that, because if a black person who is not qualified for a job applies, and the company hiring may only have whites working there currently, and that balck person is denied-they can cry racism and sue. Even though they weren’t qualified for the job, just because qualified whites worked there-they can sue.

By The Truth

May 15, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Jay, Since us “white people” are getting under your skin are you going to go and release our credit records on this blog for all to see? Just wondering because Sen. Schumer did just that to Michael Steele. Just wondering because liberals do things like that to people who p** them off.

By lovelyliz

May 15, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

Neither does his faith.His political resume is weak at best.He’s just not qualified.

Are you talking about Barack Obama or George W. Bush?

By Kiki

May 15, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

I am an Obama supporter, but I in no way view him as Christ-like or as a perfect candidate. Nobody is perfect. As far as his supporters being censored, that is the first I have heard of this. Even if that is true, I am sure it does not come from Obama himself. He speaks often about his positions on things like economy, foreign policy, healthcare, and education. We need to be talking about the issues in this process, otherwise what’s the point? Personally, I see relatively little difference between his views and those of Hillary Clinton. I just wish people would stop using Jeremiah Wright as an excuse not to talk about Obama’s positions on anything else. Wright has become a non-issue for me. And although I enjoy listening to Hannity sometimes, I gotta say the whole “GD America” clip is getting old. Even Neal Boortz said the Wright story sounds like old news. And he’s pretty conservative by anyone’s standards.

By J Dawg

May 15, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

The Truth, You’re too slow to realize that the “Progressivebigot” is just trying to be humorous. I couldn’t stop laughing after you made the following brilliant remark, “theprogressivebigot, I voted for Bush twice. I don’t think that you are smarter than me. I’m guessing that you work in Starbucks.”

Clearly he or she is smarter than you as are most fourth graders. Oh, by the way, I am voting for McCain, but you sir should not be allowed to vote for anyone because you simply don’t have the necessary mental capacity. Have a nice day.

By Copyleft

May 15, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Gee, TheLies is angry because there’s a one-sided and biased opinion… IN THE OPINION SECTION.

How horrible! Someone erect a hothouse over TheLies, to shield him from opinions that differe from his own! Oh, mercy, won’t someone PLEASE think of the children?

(snicker)

By The Truth

May 15, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

J Dawg, Moron, I was also joking. I shouldn’t be allowed to vote? Want me to get Jesse after you? By the way, UGA sucks! You’re voting for McCain? Wow, and I’m an idiot? You shouldn’t be allowed to breed. Have a nice life.

By The Truth

May 15, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Copyleft, Don’t you have pizzas to deliver? In case you can’t read, there are a lot of other people who are sick of idiots like you.

By J Dawg

May 15, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Truth, “Writing in” Huckabee is a futile effort. Just admit you’ll be voting for McCain or staying home.

By SwiftBoat

May 15, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

J Dawg, I would bet my golden retriever is smarter than you. Have a nice day.

By turnerwred1234

May 15, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Judging by posts here, and elsewhere, what this country needs and badly, before, or perhaps immediately after the election of a person of color to the Presidency is a Truth and Reconciliation Commission similar to what President Nelson Mandela had in S. AFrica.

Although I’m still not sure of the motives of the un-traditonally pro-democratic media, especially with a Black leading the contest against a seemingly weaker Rep. opponent, the action of the media providing an outlet (posting space) for thoughts and opinions from the general public about race, in the long run will be of great service to our nation.

I just hope the media isn’t over doing it in forcing Obama upon the Democratic Party when the public just might not be ready, yet.

By The Truth

May 15, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

J Dawg, Nope. Neither one.

turnerwred1234, Doesn’t matter what color the skin is. The skin color is not going to solve problems. Is Hussein Obama going to blame racism when we get nuked? Is his skin color going to solve gas problems? Nope!

By Rusty

May 15, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

Liz, I was talkin about Barry.Bush was Gov of Texas for 6 years. Barry isn’t through his first term in the Senate yet.Try and keep up.Kiki, how is Obamas “hate whitey” church a non issue? How much of an issue would it be if it were a white candidate sitting in a “hate darkie” church? It’s a non issue with you because you and people like you choose to ignore the double standard. It’s not a non issue with most people who aren’t already worshipping this guy.Noone, including Obama has explained his faithful attendance in the Church of white hate. Without throwing out the “crazy uncle” b/s can you or anyone here explain it? Actions speak louder than words and the american people aren’t as stupid as Obama and his camp need them to be.

By J Dawg

May 15, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this

Truth, Well by the process of elimination, you support the losertarian (Barr), Nader (independent) , or McKinney (Green party). I’d bet the farm you’re a McKinney Man.

By Laura

May 15, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Kiki:

If Obama believes that Black Liberation Theology is “a dead-end and an ineffective method when it comes to achieving racial equality in this country,” then why did he attend a church for over 20 years that espouses Black Liberation Theology?

By sharon

May 15, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

You people who keep clinging to the fact that Barack was a member of Jeremiah Wrights’s church for twenty years is grasping. If after twenty years all the media can come up with is two over blown sermons then that is truly reaching. The sermons that are played over and over was preached over five years ago!

By Rusty

May 15, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

And David Duke belonged to The Klan but that was 20 yrs ago, yall just graspin’ Nice try.

By Tray

May 15, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

To Sharon and everyone else who thinks whites are clinging to Wright’s 5 year old sermon:

Darn straight I’m clinging to it! After all, how many years has the black race been clinging to slavery and racism?? While there may still be racist people in the world, blacks have more rights and freedoms than whites, and I can prove that to!

By Kiki

May 15, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

By stating that Wright is a non-issue for me, I am not choosing to ignore anything. On the contrary, when the Wright story broke, I had already lent my support to Obama, and I must say it caused me to take pause. I also listened intently to the Rezko allegations. I started to question how much I really knew about Obama other than what the news media portrays of him, and I realized I knew very little. So I started digging. I learned about his black father and his white mother, his upbringing in Hawaii and Indonesia, his education, his time spent as a community organizer working with BOTH black and white churches in Chicago, his rise to power in Chicago politics. I gathered facts, I listened to the pundits on both sides, and I came to the conclusion that while Obama may have supported his pastor in all of the good things he did for his community, this does not mean that Obama shares Wright’s hateful and frankly, somewhat insane beliefs when it comes to black/white relations. You see, I did not ignore the issue, I gathered information and came to my own conclusion. I went with my gut, and I am secure in my decision to support Obama.

By sharon

May 15, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Laura surely you don’t believe Reverend Wright preached those type sermons every Sunday for twenty years do you? Don’t you think that if this was the norm or the theme of his messages evey Sunday there would be more than two tapes after twenty years? Perhaps on two occassions he had some sh-t to get off his chest. Again, people are looking for a reason not to support Obama and that’s your pereogative.

By RealityKing

May 15, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Word definitions seems to be in order here..

Racism - a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others.

Prejudice - 1.an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason. 3. Unreasonable feelings, opinions, or attitudes, esp. of a hostile nature, regarding a racial, religious, or national group.

Does anyone here believe that their race makes them superior to others of a different race??? No, I didn’t think so… So I think it’s safe to say that we have, for the vast majority, transcended racism in America. And of course, that means we can transcend race.

You see, the real subject is our prejudices, racial or otherwise, a much different story. And while we do often transcend our differences, we will never fully overcome them. It’s just perfectly normal for people of similar attributes to group together and form similar goals. Whether it’s race, ideology, culture, gender, hair color, etc.. We just naturally tend to favor similarities.

Obama’s success is a perfect example. Some whites have indeed transcended race, if Jay wants to put it that way, but what has happen to the blacks? Are they transcending race? Or is Obama’s color obviously the reason for his success?? It has led to Hillary winning the DNC’s popular vote but probably losing the nomination to super delegate votes. The super delegate will overturn the will of the DNC voters! Is this transcending race?? Is this even democratic???

By scott

May 15, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Do any of you have independent thoughts or can you only repeat what you hear everyday from s. vanity and that drug addict limbaugh. Believe it or not conservative republicans do not speak for america, this was shown when Romney could not even compete with the nomination process of the republican party.
How can someone be so blind and ignore the weak U.S. dollar, job losses, the housing collapse, the up-and-down stock market…need I go on. The one thing this election season has done is put president shrub in the background when all these troubles have occurred on his watch. Please stop saying it was Clinton’s fault, his presidency ended almost 8 years ago.
Six years of a republican president and congress and this is what we get, it is time for a change and history will be made this November. Oh yeah, how could I forget the gas prices as the close in on $4/gallon. (Isn’t it ironic that our president’s family is in the oil business, just asking)

By Tray

May 15, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Sharon-ok, so a couple of times he did have to get sh-t of his chest…BUT…if it were a white man preaching black hatred, blacks would be in just the same uproar, and i don’t see how you can deny it.

SO YES, if whites did it and it’s wrong, THEN IT’S ALSO WRONG FOR BLACKS. yet another double standard…

By turnerwred1234

May 15, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Truth, I agree. Whether you’re white, black or light-black, skin-tone alone isn’t going to help us solve problems that we face now. Or those that will confront our children and grand-children in the future. Only a unified nation of Blacks, whites, Hispanics, Asian, Native-American and all others will give us any reasonable hope. Then, we must pray constantly that God have mercy upon our miserable souls!

Today we have a press/media filled with individuals who have no inkling of the immense importance of a independent and unbiased news source for a democratic society. To see on the News Hour the ease with which a regular stepped out of the traditional role that the show has of being balanced and at least appearing un-biased, her performance designed to produce support for Obama has me re-thinking an opinion I’ve held of the News Hours for years. As opposed to presenting the news, she assumed the role of an advocate. Whether those charged with thenews are for or against a particular candidate is their business. When they allow their personal views to slant the reporting of the news to the nation and the world, then it become our business. as for me, I’m wondering where I can look to find what the News Hour once represented to me, when I sought to know the facts, and nothing but the facts. When a host suggest to a very articulate the term “pandering” when she tried to make her point about Clinton, as far as I’m concerned, that choosing side. If the guest was illiterate or incapable of forming her own sentences and choosing her own words, then fine. But, with a guest as the one I observed, Gwen’s suggestion of the word “pandering” in that context displayed a deifinite bias that was unbecoming the professionalism of the News Hours team for years.

And, that is how it has been.

By Rusty

May 15, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this

If the good Reverend only spoke those radical views on a couple of occasions then why is it all over the “best of” dvd from his church? These are his views and there is no denying that. Guess what, If I sit there all bright eyed and bushytailed lapping up this crap for 20 years they are my views also. Obamas campaign is mortaly wounded (as it should be) and sensable people already know it. Uncle Jeremiah-gate aint going away. It’s too late.

By Blind Homer

May 15, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this

RealityKing - That’s just semantics, common usage expands the definition of racist to include what are more accurately referred to as prejudice and biogtry. We have a double standard now where blacks are entitled to preferential treatment and can be critical of whites proclaiming them racist at every opportunity, but nothing negative can be said about blacks despite their cultural shortcomings that result in higher crime rates and 75% baby momma births.

By Laura

May 15, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

Sharon:

It’s a matter of judgment. Obama only condemned Wright when it became politically expedient to do so. No one will convince me that he attended that church for so long and considered Wright a personal friend as well as a pastor and did not have an inkling of Wright’s racist and offensive views. I don’t care how few sermons of that nature there were. One hateful sermon is one too many.

Obama gave Wright a position in his campaign until the media caught wind of Wright’s racist rantings. If Obama is listening to a hateful nut job like that, then I don’t trust his judgment or ability to successfully lead this country.

By Kiki

May 15, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

“nothing negative can be said about blacks despite their cultural shortcomings that result in higher crime rates and 75% baby momma births.”

Blind Homer, huh? Apt username.

By Rusty

May 15, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

Well Scott,who does speak for America? It aint Barrack half term Obama. Try and keep to the topic bud. And please all of you..say “Change” one more time.

By JeremiahWright

May 15, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Sharon, I don’t care how many times he said it. If my BEST FRIEND even ONE TIME said “the USA of KKK”, equated the US with Al Qaeda, or any of the other racist nonsense, our friendship would no longer continue. I don’t see why should allow him to excuse a relationship with only a pastor. And I’m not running for President.

By Rusty

May 15, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Thats a good point Homer. You have to wonder what the budget looks like under a Pres. Obama. Less money for defense and intelligence and more money for baby momma entitlement programs.What about the new cabinet position “Secretary of Slave reparations” with newly apointed Secretary Dorothy Tillman dolling out free money to slave decendents.Obama was voted most liberal Senator yall.Why do you think blacks are lined up behind this guy unanimously. They think they gonna get paid. Seriously, research Obamas Chicago girlfriend Dorothy Tillman.

By Don Imus

May 15, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

WOW!!!!! It is amazing to see so many people on here claiming that all blacks are voting for Obama just because he is Half black. Do you really know every black person and have you asked them who they are voting for and why? If not then you are unjustly grouping a whole race of people. Is that not the basis of racism? Its those same people who are quick to say “I’m not a racist”. I am a young black man and I am not voting for Obama just because he is HALF black. My wife and I along with numerous other members of our family are not sure that he has the experience and also do not totally agree with 100% of what he is saying. But SOME white people see me and will swear they know me and everything about me because of my skin color. Some blacks will vote for Obama because he is HALF black. Some women will vote for Clinton because she is a woman. Some whites will vote for McCain because he is a white man. Thats how it is and its really sad. But thats where we are!!!

By Blind Homer

May 15, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

Kiki - Thanks, I think it’s implied that I meant ‘without criticism’ but perhaps I should have spelled that out for you. Nothing negative can be said publicly without criticism and/or the NAACP boycotting (think John Rocker). Your criticism proves my point. At least you aren’t trying to defend baby mommas using the usual black liberation theology line that LBJ created the welfare state to destroy the black family! I’m sure Rev Wright could explain that to you. In reality, with better cultural values the men would have supported their women and children and worked for a living instead of committing the crimes that landed them in jail.

By Old WhiteWoman

May 15, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Thomas Sowell is my hero, wish he had stepped out of academia years ago and run for political office. Don’t see how he could ever be labeled an Uncle Tom, he tells it like it is about all of us, always backs up with evidence and statistics. Some people just don’t like hearing the truth. Every registered voter should read his books and columns. These days more than ever, we need voters to be educated on history and economics. But as it is now, we are an abysmally ignorant bunch and getting more ignorant by the day.

By BigBob

May 15, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

It is obvious thet the working middle class white males are not supporting Obama. If you think for one minute he can be elected without our support, you’re dumber than I think you are. West Virginia showed Obama’s weaknesses, they will continue to be exposed. His wife will help derail him too. The Washington Post has hinted about a big scandal involving Obama that’ll be exposed mid-October. This man has more than Rev Wright’s skeleton in his closet, I bet there’s a bigger bomb about to drop and Hillary knows it.

By BigBob

May 15, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

It is obvious thet the working middle class white males are not supporting Obama. If you think for one minute he can be elected without our support, you’re dumber than I think you are. West Virginia showed Obama’s weaknesses, they will continue to be exposed. His wife will help derail him too. The Washington Post has hinted about a big scandal involving Obama that’ll be exposed mid-October. This man has more than Rev Wright’s skeleton in his closet, I bet there’s a bigger bomb about to drop and Hillary knows it.

By AC

May 15, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

It’s obvious that whites are just as bitter (if not more) about race than black people are. Why is it a problem if black people are inclined to vote for Obama b/c he’s black? None of you are mad that there are whites that WON’T vote for him for that same reason!

I don’t think black people will cry racism if Obama honestly loses to John McCain. Now, if Hillary were to magically come up with the Dem. nomination, then yes, there will be cries of racism, because you can’t just steal the nomination from the front-runner. It would be hard to classify that move as anything but racist.

Obama himself has said that if he’s not the nominee or the next President, it’s because people didn’t agree with his policy positions.

Obama has never been the one to bring race to the forefront. It has been the media (especially Feaux News Network) that has focused on that issue. I believe Obama’s life experiences as a BLACK man raised by WHITE people in different countries all over the world makes him an ideal candidate for President. Our world is becoming more global with more people of mixed heritage. Who better to lead us into that world than someone with a white mother and black father, and half-sister of Asian descent, who spent part of their childhood in Indonesia. Give me that any day over someone rasied in the suburbs with people that looked as they look and thought as they thought!

I for one, am tired of going to other countries and having people ask me what’s wrong with America? What’s wrong with our president? We have an international reputation for being bullies who aren’t accepting of other countries. But, we have the audacity to travel to other places w/o researching the customs and cultures that are expected there. We just expect people to bend to us! It’s absolutely shameful and ridiculous!

I don’t classify myself as an Rep. or a Democrat- I’ll always vote for the best person for the job. White, black, man or woman.

I’m 23 and I can see the ignorance on these boards. I didn’t grow up being separated by my race, but I’ve still experienced prejudice or racism walking down the street in Atlanta or in my kindergarten class in Raleigh, NC.

It disgusts me to see that some of you can’t acknowledge that racism exists. Is it the cause of all of the world’s problems? No. But, it would be a huge step if more white people acknowledged its presence and if more black people fought back and didn’t let it get them down.

It’s crazy that you think black racism has nearly the same affect as white racism. More whites are in a position of power, making their prejudices a part of people’s every day lives. There aren’t nearly as many black (or minority) people in power that can make white people feel as though the color of their skin means they deserve to be treated a certain way. Furthermore, for those white people that do think they should be in a position of power just because they are white, the thought of a minority being elected to the most powerful position in the world will send them all running in the opposite direction. They don’t know how to share the power. They want to control and monopolize everyone.

I believe that with the election of Obama to the presidency, we will be reflecting the shift of power in our nation. I know that makes SOME white males shiver in their boots, but it’s time to level the playing field.

Maybe it’s because I’m young (I’m in that generation that has only known Clintons and Bush’s in the White House, as I was born in 1984. The first election I remember is 1992!), but I definitely can see the difference in my acceptance of other cultures. I’m black, grew up going to white schools with two college educated parents, and I’ve lived and traveled in Europe. Most of you are content not experiencing the world around you. That complacency is sad and prevents you from expanding your knowledge and communications with a lot of great people.

It’s time that we try something different, something new. The economy sucks, gas is $4, we’re in a horrible, unwinnable war (and I support our troops, as I’m the daughter, grandaughter and niece of retired Army and Air Force vets). But when our soldiers come home to crappy housing and insufficient healthcare- I draw the line! George Bush is the sorriest excuse for a president that I’ve seen in my short life and I just can’t see how anyone finds this acceptable.

And have any of you looked at your paycheck recently?! I’m college-educated white-collar worker who’s getting taxed 25% (yes, 25%) of my income. And I’m single with no kids! I can’t imagine what the struggle is like for someone with more familial obligations than I. I don’t mind paying my taxes, but someone that earns $2 million should definitely pay more than me.

Obama 08!

By Don Imus

May 15, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

Blind Homer You really are blind!!!! I do not believe that anybody owes me anything. Everything that I have is because of hard work and most importantly God’s Grace. I do not want or need any handouts from anyone. Hearing your views it should not be hard to see that racism is alive and well. I have a wife not a baby mama, as if whites don’t have kids out of wedlock - your anger and ignorance has truly made you blind as a bat! oh but I forgot, you probably don’t consider yourself huh?

By Blind Homer

May 15, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

Don - Obama got about 90% of the black vote in the primaries on average while Clinton only got about 60% of the white vote, therefore blacks are displaying much more prejudice at the polls. Obama, so far, is the one fresh voice in black leadership who, unlike Jesse and Al don’t play the race card at every opportunity primarily for their own benefit. When is the last time Jesse has done anything but support black causes to make his living?

By Believer

May 15, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

Jay,

I prefer to believe that racism is not an issue. Instead, I prefer to think that the underlying problem is better, and more accurately, referred to as “differentism”. It’s a new name for an age-old condition. It boils down to the fact that we each have our own thoughts and opinions and we each, rightfully, believe that these thoughts and opinions are indeed the only appropriate thoughts and opinions for any reasonable person to have.

By lovelyliz

May 15, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

We had the chance to elect a president who was smart,had plenty of political experience and had served active duty during wartime in 2000 and 2004. Instead in 2000 we ended up with a president who had served as governor for 5 years. Barack Obama served in the Illinois state senate for 4 years and has been a US Senator for 5. He has far more experience in political office than did our current president so if the reason you aren’t supporting is candidacy is beause of his inexperience then I am sure you didn’t vote for the Republican nominee in 2000.

By Frederick Douglass

May 15, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

I say again, an African American will never be accepted in a role as lofty as the president. It’s only lip service to say that whites would vote for blah-blah-blah if he espoused this or that view, it ain’t happening. The Curious George thing in Cobb County is just a microcosm of perceptions that whites have of people of color. The general concensus is that only a male Caucasian can run this country, regardless of how daft he is.

By Blind Homer

May 15, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Don - Good for you, but you don’t dispute the facts, you just say you’re married. Blacks have the highest percentage of unwed births, then Hispanics and then non-Hispanic whites and it’s been that way for years. Cosby is right and Wright is wrong, it’s that simple. Instead you model yourself after Wright and wrongly and unjustly call me a racist when I’m just stating facts. Check the definition above one more time. ‘Belief’ in superiority. I don’t believe skin color makes anyone better or worse. I know the facts are blacks have more unwed mothers and commit more crimes on a percentage basis. Not because they’re black, but because of cultural differences. Fine upstanding citizens like you are just like me. Maybe you had two parents or even one good one. Unfortunately, when 75% of black children are born to unwed parents there are going to be problems, crime, ignorance, poverty, perpetuation of the welfare state, etc. This is a black cultural phenomemon that Al and Jesse and Wright should be working on instead of picketing the T-shirt guy in Marietta!

By Rusty

May 15, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

Liz, If Barry had been elected dog catcher 10 times you people would still be harping about more elected experience. The guy was a state Senator. Big freakin deal. Cynthia Mckinney served more years in elected office than Barry Obama. Does that make her qualified to be President? Of course not! Research Barrys Illinois crowd, Ayers,(admitted terrorist)Rev. Wright(admitted racist)Rezko(indicted mobster)Dorothy Tillman(slave reparations proponent)and how many other Obama playmates are gonna come crawlin out of the woodwork.

By MrLiberty

May 15, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this

If there is a backlash against Obama it is because he is running as a black man. No, he is not a man running for president who is of some African decent, he is a man who chooses to play into the divisive group think that has plagued this nation since the 1960’s at least. I will not vote for him in large part because of that. He is also basically a socialist with no economic clue, but I still find his “blackness” offensive to my “whiteness.”

He sees the problems we are now facing as caused by whitey. He is good at recognizing problems, but the ills that plague this nation have been caused by government, not whitey. Government is evil incarnate. Look what its powers do to black folks like Sidney Dorcey, Bill Campbell, Marion Berry, Maynard Jackson, Shirley Franklin, the entire Clayton school board, and every story you hear in this town about corruption these days.

Black doesn’t absolve you of these crimes. Just as White doesn’t guarantee that you will avoid teh temptation.

Obama and Hillary both put all of their faith and trust in the government and none in their fellow man. So did the germans in the 30’s. Oh and of course McCain is worse. He never met a business end of a gun he didnt’like. He is insane.

there is only one group we should associate ourselves with and that is free americans. Its us against the governmenet. So long as we play the game of groupthink, they will be able to divide us further and pit us against eash other.

By Rusty

May 15, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Big Bob and Blind Homer,you guys are throwin blow after unanswered blow.

By HeySoose

May 15, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Wow! I like to spice up the conversations in here at times by saying something somewhat outrageous, but some of you are just getting downright hateful now.

This is exactly what the politicians want. This is how they keep power over us. Get us to fighting so that we won’t pay attention to what they are doing.

By BiteMe

May 15, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Tray, will you marry me? :)

By just me

May 15, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

If the people questioning Obama’s qualifications had done 1/4 of that much questioning of W, Gore would have been finishing his 2nd term and the US would still have a surplus (despite the negatives of free trade).

By DJ

May 15, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Could someone please tell me why is Obama considered a black man? Isn’t he white as well? Although there are laws that tells the American society that percentages determine you race… We all have brains that tells you the truth. He’s mixed, both black and white. And to answer an earlier comment about the number of blacks voting for Obama… It’s probably because mainstream media, (who are all run by whites) try to find anything on Obama and smear him as a man. The saddest of it is that the media can only use what they refer to as “bad judgement” in the people he choses to have relationships with. if relationships are so important, please tell me why didn’t people judge Bush or his family after it was known that he and his family had relationships with the Bin Ladens, even years after Osama and his terrorist group had attacked the U.S. in the early 90s? Yes, it’s fact.

By AC

May 15, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

I am laughing hysterically at those who call Obama racist! The man is HALF WHITE! He was raised by white people! This is the problem- you’re taking half of a person’s experience to judge them. His mother and grandparents could be your mother and grandparents!

Let’s stop judging people on the words of their pastors and let’s judget them on their own merit. Obama has serviced blacks and whites equally during his years as a community organizer. McCain says the economy is not his strong suit (that’s not what I want to hear when gas is $4/gallon!!).

Open your eyes. Wright doesn’t reflect Obama’s beliefs and he certainly doesn’t negate Obama’s humble upbringing by a white, middle-class family.

By WillM

May 15, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

We interrupt this bash-the-libruls hate hour for a news bulletin:

CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT AFFIRMS RIGHT TO GAY MARRIAGE

Read it and weep, Limbaugh-lovers!

Tell you one thing: whether Obama wins in November of not, one thing is certain: There’s going to be a winner in these battles sooner or later, and it’s not going to be the guy who put curious george on the T-shirts.

By Laura

May 15, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

AC:

Wright does reflect Obama’s beliefs because Obama chose to associate with him for 20 years until Wright’s racist beliefs threatened his political career.

If Obama truly didn’t believe in Wright’s “teachings,” then he wouldn’t have tolerated him for so long.

The only reason he’s shunning him now is because the cat’s out of the bag and he was exposed. He’s an opportunist just like every other politician.

By Rusty

May 15, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

AC, I don’t believe your laughing hysterically about the fact that Obama is racist. I think it scares you and the rest of his supporters that he’s been exposed.He was to be the great transcender. You don’t think he shares Rev Wrights views? Try again. I love the pleading “c’mon everybody this is a non issue, gas is $4 a gallon, stop talkin about Obamas’ spiritual leader and pastor for 20 YEARS,it’s a non issue, you hear me a non issue!” Turn those machines back on!

By Blind Homer

May 15, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this

AC - You’re right, I like the way he’s trying to rise above the racism. But getting out the vote for the Dailey machine in his early days doesn’t endear him to me. Lots of corruption in that group.

By Lea

May 15, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Jay, very good column. Balanced, open-minded, and optimistic. It is so sad to see people take the time to write hateful words like some of the ones above. Obviously, these “haters” are intellectually incapable of effective communications or being able to debate the issues.. so they revert to yelling, stereotypes, and personal attacks.. the pathetic folks fall back to the lowest common denominator every time. Thankfully, however, they are morphing into a distince minority.

Being a republican or a conservative shouldn’t give one a license to be mean and hateful, but that’s how it plays out here. I’m confident, however, that the American people will speak— we no longer want mean , narrow-minded people like you and your leaders to drive the future of this country— And YOU WON’T,

By lovelyliz

May 15, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Barack Obama still has twice as much experience in elected office (state and national level) than did George W Bush when he was first running and I didn’t hear a peep out of the GOPers about his lack of experience.

Some of us have long memories.

By HeySoose

May 15, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this

I saw that WillM. Good for the gay couples living in California. The disturbing part, though, is that the court was willing to overturn the people of California’s decision. Right or wrong, it was the people of California’s decision, and not the court’s to make.

For those of you who cry, let the people decide, the courts should not be used like this when you do not like the outcome of a vote.

By HeySoose

May 15, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

lovelyliz, That’s an old, and stale argument regarding his experience. Besides, Bush isn’t running again(thank God).

BTW, why would the GOP complain about lack of experience in THEIR candidate? I don’t hear the DEMS complaining about Baraks lack thereof. Though I do recall the DEMS complaining about Bush’s lack of experience in 2000. Much in the way the GOP is making issue regarding Obama’s experience. Like it or not, what goes around comes around, dear.

By Wondering

May 15, 2008 5:43 PM | Link to this

How can a man that comes from a white womb be black? Please explain..

By HeySoose

May 15, 2008 5:44 PM | Link to this

Hey Lea, Aren’t you being narrow-minded in this statement.

“Being a republican or a conservative shouldn’t give one a license to be mean and hateful, but that’s how it plays out here. I’m confident, however, that the American people will speak— we no longer want mean , narrow-minded people like you and your leaders to drive the future of this country— And YOU WON’T,”

Shouldn’t it read “Being a republican/democrat or a conservative/liberal…blah, blah, blah”?

Do you really think that only republicans and conservative are narrow-minded and hateful? Because if you believe that, what does that make you?

By newsman

May 15, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this

Is it not racism that a very significant number of blacks are voting for Obama? Until all America forgets about race and judges a person on their abilities, we will not be able to turn this once great country around>

By Rusty

May 15, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Hey Liz watch this. George W.Bush. Gov. of Texas,Son of a one term President,two term Vice President and CIA Dir. Bill Clinton. Gov of Arkansas two terms. George H.W. Bush.Vice President two terms, CIA Dir. Ronald Reagan. Gov of California two terms. Jimmy Carter. Gov of Georgia one term Gerald Ford. Multi term U.S. Senator,Vice President Richard Nixon. Vice president two terms. LBJ. Multi terms in the U.S. House and Senate. Vice President Barack Obama. Un-fulfilled first term U.S. Senator. The guy is not qualified to be President.

By Frederick Douglass

May 15, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

Hey newsman, the country has been turned around, just not in the right direction thanks to Conservatives.

By bronco

May 15, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

If all the candidates were green we still wouldn’t have a candidate thats worth voting for. Look past the talking heads and think about it and by the way if I had to vote for any of them I would vote for the light green ones.

By HeySoose

May 15, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

bronco, Damn straight. Too bad Do-Over isn’t a choice on the ballot.

By Jake

May 15, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

If Obama was 100% white, he would not ever won any states. He is not qualified. I can think of two blacks that are qualified, Powell or Rice. This go to show that blacks vote for blacks and white vote for whites. If blacks want white votes get a black that is qualified.